Where does the Amazon River End?

August 31, 2017
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Amazon Facts

Measuring the length of river might seem like a simple task but the fact of the matter is that the complete opposite is true. The easiest way to approach a question like ‘where does the Amazon River end is’ is to say that it ends in the Atlantic Ocean and starts in Peru. However, the Atlantic Ocean is a very big expanse of water, so which bit do we mean when we use this as a reference point? The Amazon River pumps so much water into the Atlantic that you could sail from the mouth of the river for dozens of miles in the ocean and still find freshwater.

Scientists have been working hard for years to try and work out exactly where the Amazon River ends and the Atlantic Ocean begins but to little avail so far. Another point of interest is the fact that the Amazon River has only been flowing out into the Atlantic Ocean for about 100 million years. Of course, that isn't a trivial amount of time but it has been discovered that before this period and before the Andes Mountains started to rise, the river actually flowed in the other direction. Scientists discovered this when they unearthed river sediment that should naturally be transported downstream but was found upstream in the Amazon River. This left only one explanation: the river used to flow in reverse.

There is still a lot of scientific exploration being done with the Amazon River. Where the Amazon River ends is still a point of contention but where it starts is an even bigger one – and something we will look at in a separate article. However, one thing everyone can agree on is that the Amazon Drainage Basin is by far the biggest of its kind in the world. This monstrous area covers parts of eight different South American countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, Peru,Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname. The river has numerous tributaries that branch out into these countries and gain volume and velocity thanks to the rainfall and snowmelt that occurs there.

It is all well and good telling you how big the Amazon River is, but what is more interesting to know as a traveller is what makes it so special to visit. When you are on an Amazon river cruise on the river, you can feel its power but whether it runs for 500 miles or 4,000 makes little difference in your microcosm. What matters are the sights, sounds and smells that emanate from this magnificent waterway and the mysterious rainforest that flanks it in every direction. Come off the main flow of water and follow one of its tributaries to get up close and personal with the natural beauty that is omnipresent in this region.

Whether you choose to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru or Colombia, you will be confronted with nature like you have ever seen before. Each country contains miles on end of untapped beauty along with some of its own personal charms. Brazil boasts the largest portion of the rainforest but that does not necessarily make it the best. Of course, spending a day or two in the Anavilhanas Reserve is utterly incredible and should be on everyone’s bucket list. But, there are plenty of other places worth seeing in this part of the world, such as the Yasuni National Park and the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

With biodiversity in spades the Amazon Rainforest is one of the final vestiges of untouched nature in the world. Brimming with exotic animals from the moist soil all the way up to the leafy canopy. Keep your eyes peeled and you might be lucky enough to catch sight of a brightly-coloured macaw or a monkey swinging in the branches. Take some binoculars and a fully charged camera because you won’t want to miss a thing.

The Amazon River remains a mystery to this day, baffling scientists from all over the world with its enormity and curious tendencies. In fact, just a few years ago, a team of scientists discovered an underground river around 4km beneath the Amazon River that runs for about the same length but in some parts is around four times wider. Another point of wonder is the famous Meeting of the Waters in Manaus, Brazil. This is where the dark water or Rio Negro meets the sandy Amazon River water. Rather than mix, it looks like the two waters are colliding, creating a stark line between the two colours.

Naturally, the best way to truly experience the Amazon River is to go there in person. So, plan the vacation of a lifetime; pack up your bags; and go and discover just how spectacular the Amazon River is. For more information about where the Amazon River ends or booking an Amazon River tour please contact us or call 1-888-215-3555.

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